Key Points
- Enfield Council leader Ergin Erbil, chief executive Perry Scott, Enfield MPs Feryal Clark and Kate Osamor, and London Assembly member Joanne McCartney have jointly called on the government to devolve control of the Hertford Loop Line to Transport for London (TfL).
- The Hertford Loop Line runs from Moorgate to Welwyn, Hertford, and Stevenage, serving stations across Enfield including Crews Hill, Gordon Hill, Enfield Chase, Grange Park, Winchmore Hill, Palmers Green, and Bowes Park.
- Currently operated by Great Northern, part of Govia Thameslink Railway, nationalisation of the franchise is planned for next year.
- Local leaders argue this nationalisation offers a prime opportunity to transfer control to TfL, potentially converting the line into a new branch of the London Overground network.
- The letter underscores that devolving control would bring more frequent, reliable trains, better integrate services within London’s transport network, and support housing development plans such as the proposed new town around Enfield Chase and Crews Hill.
- Past TfL takeovers of suburban rail lines, including the Weaver Line, have resulted in service improvements.
- The Department for Transport has been invited to comment but has not responded yet.
What is the call to action from Enfield Council and local MPs regarding the Hertford Loop Line?
As reported by Enfield Dispatch, a joint letter signed by local politicians from Enfield including council leader Ergin Erbil, chief executive Perry Scott, MPs Feryal Clark and Kate Osamor, alongside London Assembly member Joanne McCartney, demands that the UK government devolve control of local rail services on the Hertford Loop Line to Transport for London (TfL). This plea aims to transform the currently national rail service into a locally managed operation to better serve the borough’s needs.
Why is the Hertford Loop Line significant to Enfield?
The Hertford Loop Line is a crucial rail route running from London’s Moorgate station northwards through Welwyn, Hertford, and Stevenage, with multiple stops in the Enfield borough: Crews Hill, Gordon Hill, Enfield Chase, Grange Park, Winchmore Hill, Palmers Green, and Bowes Park. These stations connect thousands of commuters and residents daily, making the line a vital artery for local transport.
The current operator, Great Northern, is part of the Govia Thameslink Railway franchise. According to Enfield Dispatch, the franchise is due to be nationalised next year, providing a unique window for potential changes in management.
Why do local leaders want control of the Hertford Loop Line to be devolved to TfL?
According to Ergin Erbil, as quoted in the Enfield Dispatch,
“Improved public transport is essential to unlocking Enfield’s full potential.”
He stresses that devolving the Hertford Loop Line to TfL control would mean more frequent, reliable trains for residents, contributing to broader ambitions to develop new homes and infrastructure, particularly around the proposed new town near Enfield Chase and Crews Hill.
The joint letter to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also emphasises that transferring control to TfL would likely enhance train reliability and frequency, as well as integrate the rail service more effectively with London’s comprehensive transport network. Perry Scott, Enfield Council chief executive, adds that
“Devolving local rail services would give communities in Enfield greater certainty that investment and service planning reflect their needs.”
What examples support the call for TfL control?
The letter references previous successes of TfL’s management of suburban rail lines. Notably, the takeover of the Weaver Line, which had been run by Greater Anglia until 2015, led to significant service improvements under TfL’s stewardship. This precedent suggests potential benefits for the Hertford Loop if brought under local control.
Benefits seen in other areas under TfL include increased frequency, enhanced reliability, and better integration with other transport services, all of which are seen as crucial to resolving London’s housing challenges and promoting sustainable growth.
Who are the key political figures backing this initiative?
The group includes:
- Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council
- Perry Scott, Chief Executive of Enfield Council
- Feryal Clark, MP for Enfield North
- Kate Osamor, MP for Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
- Joanne McCartney, London Assembly member for Enfield
Each has formally signed the letter urging the Department for Transport to act in favour of transferring operational control of the Hertford Loop from Great Northern/Govia Thameslink Railway to TfL.
What is the current response from the government on this proposal?
As reported, the Department for Transport has been invited to comment, but no response has been provided yet. The lack of official government statement leaves the proposal’s future uncertain, but the coordinated push from local and London political representatives signals sustained pressure for reconsideration of rail governance in the region.
